If you want to really understand Morse letters instead of just memorising a random list, the letter B is a great next step after A, E, T, and N.
People often search for things like:
- “What is the letter B in Morse code?”
- “How do you write a letter in Morse code?”
- “How long is each letter in Morse code?”
- “How do you know when a letter ends in Morse?”
- “What letter is this in Morse code? -…”
This page exists as a focused hub for everything related to the letter B in Morse: its pattern, timing, how it compares to similar letters, and how to train it properly.
Quick Answer: What Is the Letter B in Morse Code?
Let’s start with the direct answer people search for.
The letter B in Morse code is:
B = -…
One dash followed by three dots.
Visually and rhythmically, it is:
long – short – short – short
If you like to think in sound, you can imagine it as:
“daaah dit dit dit”
Once that rhythm sticks in your head, recognising B in Morse becomes much easier.
How to Write the Letter B in Morse Code
To write or send the letter B correctly, you need to combine the pattern with proper Morse timing rules.
The global timing rules for Morse are:
- Dot = 1 time unit
- Dash = 3 time units
- Gap between dots and dashes inside the same letter = 1 unit
- Gap between letters = 3 units
- Gap between words = 7 units
For B = -… this means:
- You send a dash (3 units).
- Tiny gap of 1 unit.
- Dot (1 unit).
- Gap of 1 unit.
- Dot again.
- Gap of 1 unit.
- Dot a third time.
- Then a 3-unit pause before the next letter.
This pattern and spacing help answer some of the most common “rules” questions:
- How long is each letter in Morse code?
→ Each letter is as long as the sum of its dots (1 unit) and dashes (3 units) plus internal gaps. B is relatively “long” because it starts with a dash and has three dots. - How do you know when a letter ends in Morse code?
→ Inside the letter, the gaps are short (1 unit). When you feel a slightly longer pause of 3 units, that marks the end of the letter. - How do you separate letters in Morse code?
→ You separate letters by leaving that 3-unit pause between them.
Tight rhythm inside the letter, slightly longer pause between letters, clearly longer pause between words. B follows the same logic.
Why B Is a “Heavy” Starter Letter
While A feels light and quick (.-), B feels heavier and more “front-loaded”:
- It starts with a dash, which already takes 3 units.
- Then it has three trailing dots.
That makes B:
- Easy to recognise once you expect that long–short–short–short pattern.
- A good example of letters that start with a dash but are not just a single symbol like T (-).
B also works nicely alongside a few related patterns:
- B = -…
- D = -..
- G = –.
- 6 = -…. (number, not a letter, but similar vibe)
Training yourself to differentiate B from D and 6 is a strong step toward real-world decoding.
How B Compares to Similar Morse Patterns
People often confuse B with a few other Morse symbols that also start with a dash.
Here is a simple compare list:
- B = -… (dash + three dots)
- D = -.. (dash + two dots)
- T = – (single dash)
- 6 = -…. (dash + four dots – number, not a letter)
A practical memory hook:
“B is a dash walking three little dots behind it.”
If you hear:
- Long + short + short → probably D (-..)
- Long + short + short + short → B (-…)
- Long + short + short + short + short → 6 (-….)
This is also relevant when people search:
“What letter is this in Morse code? -…”
The answer is:
That pattern belongs to the letter B.
Practical Examples Using the Letter B
Let’s bring B into real words to help your brain attach meaning to the pattern.
Some simple examples:
- “B” as a single letter: -…
- “BE”: -… .
- “BAD”:
- B = -…
- A = .-
- D = -..
So in Morse:
BAD → -… .- -..
- “BETA”:
- B = -…
- E = .
- T = –
- A = .-
B is also the second letter in the word “alphabet”, and frequently appears in abbreviations, variables, and callsigns in radio practice.
When you listen to Morse, train yourself to “spot” the long–short–short–short pattern inside words.
Mini Training: Learn to Feel B (-…)
You don’t need a full course to start building a strong feel for B. Use these simple drills.
1. Decode the pattern
See or hear:
-…
Ask yourself:
“What letter is this in Morse code?”
Correct answer: B
Repeat this mentally:
- Hear -… → say “B”.
- Visualise the letter and its pattern together: B = -….
2. Encode the letter
Now reverse it:
Think of the letter B → write or tap -…
Tap it on a surface:
- Long press (dash) → pause → tap (dot) → pause → tap (dot) → pause → tap (dot).
This helps your hands and ears learn the rhythm, not just your eyes.
3. Contrast with D and T
To avoid confusion:
- Practice decoding sets that mix: B, D, T, and 6.
Try to identify these:
- -.. → D
- -… → B
- – → T
- -…. → 6
The difference between two, three, and four dots after the dash trains your timing perception. Over time, the pattern “locks” into your brain.